Understanding Asthma and COPD Drugs: Treatments That Breathe Life Back
Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are chronic respiratory conditions that affect millions worldwide. Both conditions impair normal airflow in the lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. While asthma often develops in childhood and can be triggered by allergens, COPD is usually associated with long-term exposure to harmful substances like tobacco smoke, air pollution, or occupational chemicals. Effective management of these conditions relies heavily on medication, alongside lifestyle adjustments.
Asthma Medications
Asthma treatment focuses on controlling inflammation in the airways and preventing flare-ups. The most commonly used medications include inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which reduce airway inflammation and are considered the cornerstone of long-term asthma management. Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are rescue medications used during acute asthma attacks to quickly relax airway muscles, providing rapid relief from breathing difficulties.
For patients with more persistent asthma,…